Bates was selected by the Western Bulldogs in the inaugural national women's draft in 2013, and represented them in the first three years of the exhibition games staged prior to the creation of the league.

Lloyd passed of cardiac arrest when she was 15 and the medal awarded to the best and fairest player in Yeronga’s QAFLW team is named in his honour.

[citation needed] Bates was taken with the number two pick, Brisbane's first, in the 2016 AFL Women's draft.

[2] She was announced as one of the "values leaders" to assist captain Emma Zielke alongside Sabrina Frederick-Traub, Leah Kaslar and Sam Virgo in January 2017.

[9] She made her debut in the Lions' inaugural game against Melbourne at Casey Fields in the opening round of the 2017 AFL Women's season.

[20] Leading into the 2024 season, Bates was announced as Hawthorn's new captain, replacing Tilly Lucas-Rodd.